Family Activities

Action Zipline Tours are the most exciting way to experience Big Bear year-round, weather permitting. The three hour tour includes an off-road ride two miles into the forest in our off-road vehicles, with nine high-speed zipline lines that run down our mountain for the most avid thrill-seekers, a beautiful suspension bridge with stunning views of Johnson Valley as a backdrop for it all, Action Zipline Tours is truly an adventure. Our all-inclusive tour is outdoor recreation at its best, and it's most exclusive. So whether you're planning a team-building retreat for a large group, or you're looking for something new to try with your family, Action Zipline Tours are the perfect way to spend your day in the mountains.

Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, is a world-renowned theme park and the original Disney destination, first opened by Walt Disney in 1955. Known as “The Happiest Place on Earth,” it brings beloved stories and characters to life through immersive lands, classic attractions, and magical experiences for visitors of all ages. The park is divided into themed areas such as Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and more—each offering its own unique atmosphere and adventures. From iconic rides like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean to enchanting experiences like Sleeping Beauty Castle and character meet-and-greets, Disneyland blends nostalgia with innovation. More than just a theme park, Disneyland Park is a place where imagination, storytelling, and creativity come together. It continues to inspire millions of visitors each year, offering timeless memories filled with wonder, joy, and a touch of Disney magic.

Home to nearly 7,000 animals and 500 species, the nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo has been voted the No. 1 zoo in North America by USA Today, the Best Zoo in Texas by Yahoo Travel, the No. 5 zoo in the nation by USA Travel Guide, the No. 1 family attraction in the DFW Metroplex by Zagat survey and a Top 10 Zoo or Aquarium by FamilyFun magazine.

Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a unique wildlife rehabilitation center nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, making it a perfect destination for families and kids. Home to a variety of native and exotic animals, the zoo focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for injured or orphaned wildlife that cannot survive in the wild. Visitors can get up close with animals like black bears, wolves, eagles, and snow leopards while learning about conservation and animal care. With its educational exhibits and kid-friendly atmosphere, Big Bear Alpine Zoo offers a fun, meaningful, and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

Desert Adventures is the desert's premier eco-tour and outdoor adventure company, offering unique and memorable excursions to the San Andreas Fault and beyond. We are the only adventure company with access to 800+ acres of pristine, private property filled with interactive displays and exhibits to enhance your experience. We also offer numerous group activities, team-building programs, and events. Life is an adventure...Make it a Desert Adventure!

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a nonprofit, accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, ensuring the highest standards of all aspects of animal care, education, conservation, public service, and operations. The Zoo is active in conservation research, habitat protection, breeding programs and education initiatives around the world, as well as in its own community. The Zoo has been a top attraction in the Palm Springs area for nearly 50 years. The Living Desert is located at 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260. Please note, all non-member tickets to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens must be pre-purchased online or at the self-service kiosks near the Zoo entrance.

Stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most captivating experiences the desert has to offer, drawing visitors from around the world to witness its remarkably dark and expansive night skies. Far from the glow of major cities, the park provides ideal conditions for observing stars, planets, and celestial events with stunning clarity. As a designated International Dark Sky Park, Joshua Tree offers breathtaking views of the Milky Way, especially on moonless nights. The vast desert horizon, minimal light pollution, and dry air create perfect visibility, allowing both casual observers and astronomy enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the cosmos. Popular spots like Hidden Valley, Keys View, and Jumbo Rocks become quiet gathering places after sunset, where the sky transforms into a brilliant canvas of stars. Stargazing here is more than just an activity—it’s a deeply humbling experience that connects visitors to the vastness of the universe. Under Joshua Tree’s night sky, time seems to slow, and the desert reveals a quieter, more profound kind of beauty.

Easy hikes for kids in Joshua Tree National Park offer a fun and accessible way for families to explore the park’s unique desert landscape without long or strenuous treks. With short, well-marked trails and plenty of fascinating sights along the way, these hikes are perfect for introducing young adventurers to the outdoors. Popular kid-friendly trails like Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, and the Skull Rock Nature Trail feature gentle terrain, interesting rock formations, and opportunities to spot wildlife or learn about the park’s history. Many of these trails are loop-style and under two miles, making them manageable while still engaging for curious minds. These easy hikes combine exploration, education, and play—whether it’s climbing over boulders, spotting desert plants, or imagining stories in the rocks. In Joshua Tree, even the simplest trails can turn into memorable adventures for kids and families alike.

New California restaurant serving fresh, inspired food in Flamingo Heights, a neighborhood of the Hi Desert located near Pioneertown and Joshua Tree.

Horseback rides that range from one hour to a half-day in length that explore the scenic countryside of the Big Bear Valley.